#MeToo, a hashtag that started two days ago is still trending in full swing. People from all walks of life are breaking their silence on social media to speak about the instances of sexual assault and harassment that they have faced. Not just women, men are also keenly participating in the movement.
Heartbreaking stories shared by women show the magnitude of the problem that finds its roots across all parts of the world. The movement, as aimed, has made people talk about abuse faced by them in public places or even the confines of their homes.
While women facing sexual harassment has been spoken of in the past too, men also are sharing their stories in huge numbers on this thread.
Apart from just stories, several men are tweeting on what they can do to make the society better for women. Here are 12 suggestions for men, shared by men.
Reality Check:
Men: if #MeToo doesn't have you frantically searching your memory and thinking "Did I?", you're either inexperienced or The Problem.
— Andy Goss (@CSSDuke) October 16, 2017
1. First things first, admit it
Women BEEN #MeToo'ing for too long. It's time for more men to admit #IveDoneThat so we can take responsibility & truly change our behavior. pic.twitter.com/bTf1L6ItQm
— Amir Talai (@AmirTalai) October 16, 2017
2. Read to know the magnitude of the problem
men, if reading the thousands of #metoo posts doesn't stir grief, sadness and personal reflection, then please read 1000 more.
— Mike Foster (@MikeFoster) October 17, 2017
3. Speak up
This #MeToo hashtag is very important, men, if you feel like there's not much you can do, you're wrong. If you see something, say something.
— Yoshi Sudarso (@yoshi_sudarso) October 17, 2017
4. Speak to the women around you
MEN: Do you want to take the first step in understanding how sexual harassment affects YOU?
Ask your wife, daughter, mom, sister,
NOT IF, but WHEN was the last time she was harassed.
It's an eye opener, I promise you.
YOU are affected when people you love are affected.#MeToo— Edan Clay (@EdanClay) October 17, 2017
5. Raise your voice
#MeToo is women telling the world of the ubiquitous sexual abuse they face. Time for better men to call it out whenever they witness it.
— (((Warwick Hunt))) (@WarwickHunt4) October 16, 2017
5. More ideas to stop it
If as many men were posting how they're going to do better, as women are posting #metoo we might be on to something.
— Jen McGowan (@IAmJenMcG) October 16, 2017
6. Ensure #NoMore
I see all the #metoo posts, and I say it's time for men to say #NoMore. pic.twitter.com/CupOCoL3LZ
— Jaime Rafael Puente (@JaimeRPuente) October 16, 2017
7. Realise that even 'locker-room banter' is not acceptable
The #MeToo posts illustrate an unassailable fact:
We as men must do better. Must be better. Must act better. It's never ever ever EVER ok.
— Unapologetic Dreamer (@keithawynn) October 16, 2017
8. No means no
instead of telling young women to dress appropriately, teach young men to NOT rape, that NO means NO and to love accordingly. #MeToo
— bradd . (@flvwerchild) October 16, 2017
9. Listen and stand up
When it comes to the #MeToo movement, I see men wondering what they can "do to help." This is my list.
1. Be quiet.
2. Listen.
3. Learn.
4. Lead/teach young men by example.
5. Stand up to friends and family who act in an abusive manner.
6. Stand behind women, not in front.— Nathan Thompson (@natepthomps) October 16, 2017
10. It's your duty
Dear Men,
Protect our sisters,
Protect our daughters,
Protect our nieces,
Protect our mothers,
Protect our women.It is your duty. #MeToo
— NUFF (@nuffsaidNY) October 16, 2017
11. Reminder: Men are fathers too
Don't forget men. You might be a parent one day and will have to look into your daughter's eyes when she says #MeToo Dad. _#womenwhoroar
— Nicki (@nickiknowsnada) October 15, 2017
12. And this thread is a must-read for parents on what to teach their kids
The #MeToo tweets have hit me in a place that's shows where I and many men need to stand alongside our female counterparts. Thread.
— Wes_ (@Wsbluelife) October 16, 2017
While we know all men are not culprits, those who are must take the blame
Imagine if all men who harassed & abused posted #IDid, maybe they could start creating solutions 2 what are clearly their problems. & #MeToo
— Sara (@saresgee) October 17, 2017
It's time we speak up against abuse of women and men to create awareness about a largely neglected issue. Here is a shout out to all the brave women and men posting on #MeToo. Hopefully, things would change for the better, soon.